StyleSk8r
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
Claudio Carvalho
The HR clerk Barry Thomas (Jonathan Silverman) works in the office of a power plant with his best friend Howard Richter (Jeremy Piven) and has a crush on the scientist Lisa Fredericks (Helen Slater). One day, he wakes-up late and heads to the office. On the lunch time, he has a contact with Lisa at the restaurant and by the end of the day, Barry and Howard witness Lisa being assassinated by hitmen in a van. On the next morning, he wakes-up late and when he see Lisa, he realizes that the day is repeating. Soon he realizes that he is trapped on the same day and is the only person who knows it. What can he do to save Lisa and let life goes on?"12:01" is an unknown little gem for many viewers and unforgettable for those who has seen it. Released in the same year of the blockbuster "Groundhog Day", the cute "12:01" is more engaging with nice characters and situations. Unfortunatelly this B-movie was only released on VHS in Brazil. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "12:01 - Meia-Noite e Um" ("12:01 - One Minute Past Midnight")Note: On 08 Feb 2018, I saw this film again on DVD.
TruPretender
For a slow-paced, and mild-mannered man named Barry Thomas, Tuesday morning was just another day with the same old people, being unpleasant and disgusting. He attends the same job, with the same drags and hacks. His boss is a real wench, his best friend won't give him a break, and the woman he has fallen in love, has no idea he exists. But today, Tuesday, he will make a difference. Whether he knows it or not, he will be the key player in the next four days. His first time to speak to his crush, Dr. Lisa Fredricks, goes from kinky, to array. He can't manage to sit down at his desk, without his best pal playing a harsh prank. Next thing he knows, his job is on the line. Things get much more difficult when he watches the beautiful Lisa, suffer, and die from a slew of shots from a gun! He is estranged and torn, so he drinks himself to sleep, but not before he shocks himself whilst touching his lamp....as lightening strikes... Alas, the next morning begins, and there is no mention of Lisa Fredricks death on the news, or in the office, of which he is late for work...again. His boss is saying the same old nagging, his friend has the same pranks in line, and as soon as he can adjust to this madness, there, walking by, is Dr. Lisa Fredricks. The day has started over...and a time bounce has interfered the world.This film was such a wonderful effort from FOX back in 1993, and I only pity the network for producing less-than worthy decisions more so today. It has a firm, catchy theatrical feel to it, that appeals to it's audience. It sets itself up with an intense introduction and a nice opening title sequence that prepares the rest of the film. It's subject matter, and executional tactics are very fair, and not overdone. They don't show any blood and guts, nor do they invade the script with vile language. Not that it would contain any, being a film made for television. What's more, it captures the exact tensity and tension as an action sci-fi thriller made for a summer blockbuster audience. All the good moments are well represented. Perhaps it would have faired well in a theatrical run...it seemed to do so as it was. The cast is terrific, and as such, they're easily lovable. Jonathan Silverman is one heck of a good guy in this picture, and he wins our hearts early on, with his adorable personality and his "nice guys finish last" approach. He has an effective puppy love for Helen Slater as the leading lady. Silverman is so hansom and determined to reach his destination. You just want to cheer for him, and your jaw drops as certain obstacles get in his way. Helen Slater as always, gives one of her many articulate performances. She is not so vulnerable as she looks, and she is not easily persuaded to any single belief. Her stronger moments do lay in her character when she is torn between what she thinks is real, and what she wants to believe. Need I say anything more than the radiation of light that appears when her name is mentioned? Slater and Silverman are so cute together, and you just want to take them both and hug 'em tight! The rest of the cast is fun. Jeremy Piven is a frolicked fun co-star who puts his comedic timing to good use as the side-kick friend with a desk full of pranks. Robin Bartlett is above the funny line as the nagging boss who steps out from the expected line and creates diversion and delays. Martin Landau...well, what's not to love about the guy? He's good in whatever he does!"12:01" is a real winner. It's not too much, but it's more than enough to please any type of crowd.
jess carrington
Excellent film - better than groundhog day and other similar time loop stories. Well acted and easy to follow. Sometimes the TV films are the best ones as they don't have to pander to the masses. The writer managed to get inside the heads of the two main characters illustrating their good points and flaws, and showing how both changed in the process. Also lives out people's aspirations of trying to get things right given a 2nd or 3rd or 4th chance. Whereas films like The Butterfly Effect and Groundhog Day are very watchable, it seems much easier to identify with the more realistic characters in 1201. The time loops seem to be just right in length - their variability keeps the watcher interested. The ending was excellent and although predictable - it rounded off the story nicely.
TVfan
...out of all the good reviews from people that liked this film, a crummy review was displaying on the main page.This movie stuck with me, and every time I watch it I enjoy it all the more. As with Groundhog Day, I enjoy watching this movie over and over. But they are two different movies, altogether.I must say (without spoiling) that the scene in the office where Jonathan Silverman tells Slater how he feels about her is one of the most touching, romantic, well-played scenes I have ever seen.I thought the underplayed comedy was great and perfect for Silverman's abilities, and as for Slater and her performance, all I can say is: YUMMY!
